CONCERN GROWS FOR BIRDS - BOTH WILD AND DOMESTICATED - AS AVIAN FLU REACHES LACEBY

Shorebirds, such as these in flight over Cleethorpes Beach, are vulnerable

A CASE of avian influenza (bird flu) has been confirmed in North East Lincolnshire, prompting an alert to owners of all birds - from  poultry farmers to canary fanciers.

The case was at an unnamed farm in Laceby.

After taking sounding from the Animal and Plant Health Agency, North East Lincolnshire Council today put out this statement: "Anyone that keeps poultry or captive birds (such as budgies and/or  parrots  needs to take additional precautions to keep them safe.

"This includes regularly cleaning and disinfecting equipment, clothing and vehicles when entering or exiting sites and limiting access to non-essential workers or visitors. 

"All birds must be kept indoors and they cannot be moved while the restrictions are in place. 

"Road signs will be put in place to let people know that they are entering the animal disease zone and there is a map to check at www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu

"If you find any dead or sick birds, do not touch them. 

"If you find dead swans, geese or ducks or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, you should report them to the DEFRA helpline on 03459 33 55 77."

There is a risk that, if it spreads beyond Laceby, the semi-domesticated waterfowl on Cleethorpes Boating Lake could be vulnerable.

Likewise wild birds including garden birds and the shorebirds that populate the Humber Estuary in winter.

More information can be found at www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu 

                                                            

How Cleethorpes Boating Lake would look if its resident swans, geese and ducks perished